Beta Version for Encoded Archival Context (EAC)

Encoded Archival Context Beta Release

The Ad Hoc Working Group on Encoded Archival Context (EAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Beta version of EAC.

Encoded Archival Context (EAC) is an ongoing initiative within the international archival community to design and implement a prototype standard based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) for encoding descriptions of record creators. The primary developers of this prototype standard are members of the international archival community. The description of individuals, families, and organizations that create records is an essential component of the preservation of the documentary evidence of human activity. Identifying record creating entities; recording the names or designations used by and for them; and describing their essential functions, activities, and characteristics, and the dates and places they were active is an essential component of the management of archival records. Creator description facilitates both access to and interpretation of records.

The authoritative version of EAC Beta is in the form of an XML DTD. Alternatively, a W3C Schema and a Relax NG Schema are also available. The EAC Tag Library provides a structural overview and definitions and descriptions of elements and attributes.

The Beta release of EAC is intended for experimental usage only. Projects experimenting in the use of EAC are encouraged, and reports and suggestions and comments are welcome.

The eac-l listserv (eac-l@mailman.yale.edu) will function as the primary discussion forum for EAC and its ongoing maintenance and development. Interested individuals will find instructions for subscribing to the eac-l at: